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Board schedules special meeting to fill vacancy amid sharp public comments and a withdrawn nomination
Summary
Public commenters raised accusations and called for decorum; Dan Bell introduced himself and was later nominated to fill the vacancy left by Laura Smith but the motion was withdrawn because the appointment had not been advertised; the board scheduled a March 5 special meeting to consider applications.
Several public commenters addressed recent social‑media disputes and board conduct during the Feb. 25 Towamencin Township meeting. A resident identified as Steve urged civility and criticized inflammatory online rhetoric; he questioned whether a supervisor would apologize to the township solicitor. Dan Bell, who later was discussed as a potential appointee, introduced himself and emphasized his intent to work across political lines.
During the supervisors’ reports, Supervisor (Speaker 2) described outreach and recommended candidates to fill the vacancy created by Laura Smith’s resignation and nominated Dan Bell. A second on the motion was made, but another supervisor raised a procedural concern that the appointment had not been properly advertised; the chair ruled the motion off the floor. The board confirmed that seven applications had been received as of the meeting and that advertising and newspaper notice requirements must be satisfied.
The board agreed to schedule a special meeting for March 5 at 6 p.m. to consider nominations and to advertise the meeting with the required newspaper lead time. The supervisors noted they cannot privately convene a quorum to discuss candidates and will individually review applications before the public special meeting. The seat will appear on the November ballot for election.
What happens next: The board will advertise the special meeting, continue to accept and review applications and will hold a public meeting to consider nominations and vote to fill the vacancy.
